Healthcare providers in the Elk Valley are working with community groups and businesses to encourage helmet safety in Fernie.
The campaign, dubbed ‘Respect The Brain Bucket’ challenge aims to curb preventable head injuries.
“It’s a challenge meant to normalize helmet-wearing in all ages in Fernie for everything that has wheels on it,” said Dr. Rob Riddell, family and emergency physician.
Dr. Riddell said this is in response to an ongoing and alarming situation in the community.
“In Fernie, physicians have become increasingly concerned with the number of presentations to the emergency department of patients with a head injury. In particular, those who were not wearing helmets,” said Riddell.
“When most people think about head injuries, they think about high-speed accidents, but we see a range of head injuries from those who may be going at low speeds or doing tricks in their driveway.”
Riddell said not wearing a helmet puts you in a serious safety risk.
“Injuries can range from very serious injuries or even death to the milder cases that can cause a significant concussion,” said Riddell.
“This can remove people from work, play or school for weeks or even months before they can return to those activities with their full cognitive and mental functions.”
The campaign targets helmet use among skateboard, scooter, in-line skate users and bicycle riders.
“For us, success means changing the culture of helmet-wearing and normalizing helmets in the community,” explained Riddell.
“We’re doing this through a reward-based approach.”
When first responders and physicians in Fernie see you wearing a helmet while riding, you can be entered or a draw.
“There are prizes to come throughout the summer, with a grand prize draw on Sept. 21 at Fernie Family Safety Day,” said Riddell.
Local bike and skate shops, along with other stores and businesses throughout Fernie have thrown their support behind the ‘Respect The Brain Bucket’ challenge.
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